Tyler Lamb decided to leave UCLA after talking with Ben Howland

Tyler Lamb, who announced his decision to transfer from UCLA on Sunday, had come to the conclusion last week that he no longer felt comfortable playing for the Bruins.

The junior guard met with Coach Ben Howland to discuss the situation on Friday. Howland confirmed that Lamb, a starter in all but one game last season, had grown concerned about a backcourt as crowded as the 405 Freeway at rush hour.

Larry Drew II has a strong grip on the point guard position. Freshmen Shabazz Muhammad, Kyle Anderson and Jordan Adams will all circulate through the guard spot. And sophomore Norman Powell figures strongly in the mix.

"He just didn't feel like he was going to be able to get the minutes that he wants," Howland said.

UCLA coaches and players were not happy about Lamb's decision but understood his reasoning.